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New support group for domestic violence survivors starts meeting in Broadwater County
Summary
A local organizer presented a new peer support group, Survivors of the Storm, to the Broadwater County Mental Health Local Advisory Council and requested referral help, meeting space assistance and donations.
Libby Miles, founder of a newly formed peer support group called Survivors of the Storm, told the Broadwater County Mental Health Local Advisory Council that she began meeting with survivors in August and that the group now has 10 members.
Miles said the group will begin meeting weekly at a private office in the town train‑station building and that she has registered an LLC for the organization. “I recently started a support group for domestic violence victims here in town. Started it in August. It has grown to 10 members now,” Miles said.
The council and members discussed ways to support the new group. Miles said the Friendship Center in Helena has helped get the group started and is assisting with a potential grant, though any grant process could take up to a year. She said she is currently funding the group herself and plans a spring fundraiser. Miles asked for assistance locating chairs and other basic furnishings; she said she will check the ReStore in Helena and that she already has a couch and coffee table.
Council members offered to share contact information and to route people to the group. Miles said she has left business cards at the sheriff’s office and will keep contact information private; she asked that referrals be made by phone or email listed on the cards.
Several members suggested connections with other community services. A council member said Family Promise may be a useful partner and Miles said she planned to meet that group the following week. Public‑health staff said the Friendship Center and county public health have discreet resources such as GPS‑enabled phones and meal cards that can be made available to domestic violence survivors, and offered to help coordinate the distribution through Friendship Center.
Miles also said she is assembling small supply packages containing toiletries and baby items and that she and a church group are preparing overnight supplies for people who need them.
The council did not take formal action on funding or space for the group during the meeting, but members agreed to share referrals and consider donation and furniture options moving forward.
